New Cauvery bridge likely to be ready by April, subject to removal of encroachments

The Yezhai Kaliamman Temple at Mambazhasalai is sought to be removed along with another roadside temple for the formation of new approach road as part of the construction of the new bridge across river Cauvery in Tiruchi.
| Photo Credit:
R. VENGADESH

With construction of the new bridge across the Cauvery in the city reaching an advanced stage, the focus has now shifted to the removal of encroachments at Mambazhasalai to facilitate the completion of the project.

The new bridge is likely to be completed by April 2027. But much would depend on the early removal or relocation of a couple of temples and a Corporation gym situated on the roadside near the Mambazhasalai junction, sources in Highways Department told The Hindu.

According to the sources, both the temples are situated on land belonging to the Highways Department. “The two temples, the Yezhai Kaliamman temple and Anjaneyar Temple need to be removed fully as they are major obstructions. We have already issued notices. If they are cleared quickly, we can complete the bridge by April at the current pace of work. Otherwise, it may lead to a delay in the completion of the project,” the sources said.

The road space is required for the formation and development of the approach road to facilitate the movement of four-lane traffic and for the proposed roundabout at the junction, they added.

The bridge was sanctioned at an estimate of ₹106 crore in the State Budget for 2024-25 and is being built adjacent to the existing bridge. While the existing bridge would be retained to cater to traffic coming from Mambazhasalai, the new one would be for vehicles going in the opposite direction.

The department had begun work on the project in July 2024 and had to contend with the strong flow of water in the river in the following months as the foundation work could be taken up only intermittently. However, the delayed opening of the Mettur dam for irrigation this year had provided a crucial window for the State Highways Department to execute the project work swiftly.

All the 16 decks for the new bridge have been completed now and currently work was under way on construction of crash barriers on the sides. “Work is now under way on a war-footing on the construction of retaining walls for the approach roads on both sides,” the sources said.

The process of acquiring about 2,283 square metres of land was almost complete, but for a single pending litigation in the form of an appeal, sources added.